The all-pro Atkins will be part of the Bengals team through the 2018 season. He was in the final season of his previous contract.

The Bengals have signed 12 veteran players from the previous playoff team.

In a statement released Monday, the Bengals said Atkins was an elite NFL interior defensive lineman. He has been on two straight Pro Bowl teams.

“Geno has been a wonderful player for us, and we are excited to be able to reward his high level of play and to secure his future here in Cincinnati,” said Katie Blackburn, Bengals executive vice president.

Atkins led NFL interior linemen last year in sacks, with 12.5. No others had more than eight. Atkins also forced four fumbles and led the team in tackles-for-loss, with 15.

“(The extension) puts the issue of his future behind him and the club and allows his focus to be on football and on a great start to our season,” said Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis.